Arsenal need a more experienced centre-back than Galatasaray teenager Kabak

Arsenal need a more experienced centre-back than Galatasaray teenager Kabak

Arsenal are reportedly set to battle Manchester United for Galatasaray’s teenage central defender Ozan Kabak but Unai Emery needs a more senior option who can make an instant impact on his Gunners defence.

Arsenal and Manchester United are among a host of clubs across Europe eyeing a January move for teenage centre half Ozan Kabak of Turkish giants Galatasaray, according to the Sun.

Scouts from both Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium have apparently been to watch the 18-year-old this season, as his impressive performances have caught the eye and earned him Champions League experience.

Italian sides Roma and Inter Milan are both also thought to be keen on the defender, who is reportedly valued at around £20m by Gala.

They are also apparently keen to tie their prize asset down and insert a buyout clause of in excess of £30m into any new contract he would sign, so it would be in Arsenal’s interest to act fast.

(Photo by Peter Lous/Soccrates/Getty Images)

While Kabak has undoubtedly enjoyed an impressive campaign so far, Unai Emery needs a more experienced option to bolster his defence.

Rob Holding has stepped up impressively this season and while it is clear the Gunners can upgrade on the promising Englishman, they will only do that by securing a more senior, well-rounded option.

Kabak has obvious talent, but the likes of Holding and Konstantinos Mavropanos could get to the same level given increased exposure to gametime; if Emery is going to dip into the market, he must aim higher.